As the great tragedy by William Shakespeare tells characters Romeo and Juliet are instantly attracted to each other ~ she is drawn to his words, and he, principally, to her looks. Romeo, gallant, handsome and flirtatious, has a reputation for enjoying attractive women, and occasionally ranks it as important a quality as other attributes, such as knowledge or personality. Upon their first visual encounter, and without even knowing much about Juliet, he utters, "O, speak again bright angel, for thou are as glorious to this night being over my head, as a winged messenger of heaven."
No matter how he tries to control of his heart and mind, he is drawn to her.
"O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!
It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
Like a rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear;
Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!
So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows,
As yonder lady o'er her fellows shows.
The measure done, I'll watch her place of stand,
And, touching hers, make blessed my rude hand.
Did my heart love till now? forswear it, sight!
For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night."
On the other hand, Juliet is quiet, less experienced and having been sheltered, vulnerable. Nonetheless, Romeo's artful and warm words have a profound effect on her. She feels special, complimented and swept up in his passionate outcries. Directing her attendant to, "Go ask his name" she wonders how it is that this mystery man that could draw her at first glance without so much as a personal meeting.
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